The UN Human Rights Office has stated in a preliminary study that almost 650 people have died in the recent unrest in Bangladesh between July 16 and August 11. The report recommends a comprehensive, unbiased, and open inquiry into reports of extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests, and detentions.
The Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh, a 10-page report, states that approximately 400 deaths were recorded between July 16 and August 4, and that approximately 250 people died after the new wave of protests that culminated in the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 and 6.
The number of reported killings in revenge attacks since that time remains to be determined, with several deaths reported between August 7 and 11, including those who died while undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the violence.
The UNHCR report suggested that the reported death toll was likely an underestimate as information collection faced a hindrance by restrictions on movement due to the curfew and the internet shutdown. Hospitals were reportedly prevented by state authorities from providing details of those killed and injured.
The student protests in Bangladesh in mid-June turned violent, with reports of severe human rights violations by security forces. There are strong indications, warranting further independent investigation, that the security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response to the situation.
Additional, alleged violations, that also warrant thorough, impartial and transparent investigations included extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, as well as severe restrictions on the exercise of freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. There were also reports of looting, arson, and attacks on members of religious minorities, as well as reprisals against and revenge killings of members of the former ruling party and police following the resignation of Hasina on August 5.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk underlined the need for accountability for all those responsible for human rights violations and violence, including against religious minorities, in Bangladesh as his office issued the preliminary report. Calling for a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into all human rights violations, Turk also said the transition in the South Asian nation is a historic opportunity to ensure governance is anchored in human rights, inclusivity, and the rule of law.
Bangladesh descended into chaos after Hasina fled to India on August 5. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on August 8 as the Chief Adviser of the interim government after he was chosen by President Mohammed Shahabuddin following the dissolution of the Parliament, a decision prompted by a demand by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance said the minority community faced attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, terming it as an “assault on the Hindu religion.”
Turk welcomed the initiative by various student organizations, faith leaders, and other people forming groups to protect minorities and religious sites belonging to minority communities, acknowledging that the interim government has also strongly condemned these acts. The report has detailed the situation with background and gives specific recommendations to all political actors, the interim government, and the international community to address the present situation in the country.
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